If things self seed in a position where they don't need to be dug up and just become part of the garden then they shouldn't be taken without permission in my book. If they are in a path or growing up through something else, ie they need to be moved, then I don't see much of an issue but it would be nice if they asked.
The plant was just the tip of the iceberg. There is much more to mention to be honest. I’ve been coy with information as you never know who could be reading. Just to say the plant is known about as is some other. Where as some is suspected but not seen.
I suppose it’s the perceived cheekiness that’s so irritating.
Years ago my parents went for a few days’ holiday and asked a neighbour if he could keep their tomato plants, in the greenhouse, watered while they were away.
When they got back all the full size tomatoes that had been on the plants when they left had been taken (and presumably eaten). They didn’t feel that they could say anything, but it was annoying to say the least.
I suppose the gardener sees it as payment in kind.
Apophthegm - a big word for a small thought. If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
The plant was just the tip of the iceberg. There is much more to mention to be honest. I’ve been coy with information as you never know who could be reading. Just to say the plant is known about as is some other. Where as some is suspected but not seen.
I can appreciate your caution, this is a public forum after all. I think when all's said and done you will just have to decide whether to put up with it, say something about it and see what the reaction is and take it from there, or just say that due to a change of circumstances you have to dispense with their services . It just depends on how much you're prepared to stand for.
The plants are yours .If he’s just taking bits he’s clipping or thinning or whatever that would have been composted ,not so bad provided he hasn’t got a little market stall or whatever selling them. I’d be cross if that was going on,especially as you are already paying him to do a job of work.
Rather than worrying or fuming, I were would just have a straight conversation over a cup of tea. Air your concerns if you think whole plants have gone and you don’t know why.
In my experience it’s very easy to get the wrong end of the stick. Just ask.
As far as I am concerned this relates to good unfortunately "Old fashioned" Manners. if it is not yours then ask it doesn't take much and you would probably find you would be given what you ask for. Politeness and honesty count in my view. Hunkering down waiting for replies
I agree with @bcpathome and @groucher . It's no different from the people who uproot plants from the wild. Not theirs to take. He should have asked. Simple.
The biggest problem is how you tackle it though. I wish you luck. It might be worth finding a replacement first, in case you tell him to get lost and then can't find a suitable person to take over.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Layered cuttings take only a few minutes to do but they can take months or a year to take. In quantity they would be visible to a garden owner who was watching what their gardener was doing. Some more vigorous plants could produce a cutting 2ft tall. If she or he took cuttings and put them in a plastic bag this would not be practical if moving on to another garden.
Looking forward to my new garden with clay soil here in South Notts.
Basically you shouldn’t employ someone you don’t trust, especially at your home. I also wouldn’t employ someone I couldn’t talk to about plants in your garden.
Do you do the ‘British’ thing of just leaving him/her to get on with it? Perhaps they think you don’t give a stuff about your garden as long as it’s tidy? Perhaps he doesn’t realize you walk around and notice things. Perhaps you could go out there and do a bit of gardening alongside him/her, asking questions, chatting … that’s what some of @WonkyWomble’s clients do … they learn from her and she gets to know their likes and dislikes. She can also give them instructions about watering etc until her next visit.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
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Years ago my parents went for a few days’ holiday and asked a neighbour if he could keep their tomato plants, in the greenhouse, watered while they were away.
When they got back all the full size tomatoes that had been on the plants when they left had been taken (and presumably eaten). They didn’t feel that they could say anything, but it was annoying to say the least.
I suppose the gardener sees it as payment in kind.
If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
I think when all's said and done you will just have to decide whether to put up with it, say something about it and see what the reaction is and take it from there, or just say that due to a change of circumstances you have to dispense with their services . It just depends on how much you're prepared to stand for.
He should have asked. Simple.
The biggest problem is how you tackle it though. I wish you luck. It might be worth finding a replacement first, in case you tell him to get lost and then can't find a suitable person to take over.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Gardening is so exciting I wet my plants.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.